Wedding Catering in Washington, DC, Virginia & Maryland
Congratulations! You’re engaged.
We are thrilled to help you plan one of the most important days of your life. Whether you are dreaming of an elegant outdoor reception or a casual backyard barbeque, Rocklands provides award-winning wedding catering across the DC Metro area.
Why Choose Rocklands for Your Wedding?
With over 31 years of experience, we are proud to be one of Virginia and Washington D.C.’s favorite wedding caterers. We specialize in making your big day turn-key and stress-free.
- Award-Winning BBQ: Give your guests an unforgettable meal with the smells of our on-site grilling team and fresh, slow-smoked meats.
- Full-Service Catering: We handle the heavy lifting. From providing seating, tables, and linens to full bar service and dedicated waitstaff, we make sure you can focus on celebrating.
- Outdoor and Backyard Experts: Whether it’s a rustic barn venue, a picnic in the park, or turning your own backyard into a wedding oasis, we know how to execute flawless outdoor wedding catering.
- Flexible and Affordable Services: We offer catering options that fit your vision and budget, from an elegant set up to budget-friendly drop-off deliveries.
Custom Wedding Catering Options for Every Vibe
Buffet Style
A highly popular and efficient method for feeding large numbers of people. Choose elegant chafing dishes and china, or opt for high-quality disposables for a casual feel.
BBQ On-Site Grilling
Make your event extra memorable with the smells of fresh grilled items using our on-site grilling team. There’s nothing like the fresh smoked BBQ food for your wedding.
Wedding Lunch
A lunch wedding reception is the perfect time for a relaxed, low-key celebration. And BBQ makes it even better!
Cocktails and Passed Apps
Looking for a more social atmosphere? A cocktail-style wedding reception using our bar catering and passed hors d’oeuvres is a fun, budget-friendly alternative to a sit-down meal.
Backyard Casual
We can turn your backyard into a wedding venue! Our full-service catering services take care of everything. We bring seating, tables, bar services and anything else you need.
DIY Wedding Delivery
For the hands-on couple! Place your order for delivery, and we will drop off and set up a beautiful buffet and appetizers for your guests.
Wedding Photos
Our brides, grooms, families and friends have had a lot of fun celebrating nuptials. Check out the weddings Rocklands Catering has been honored to be part of and maybe you will get some ideas for yours.
Don’t Forget the Other Wedding Events!
We cater those too. From small and intimate engagement parties, wedding showers and rehearsal dinners to large parties, our team is here for you. We have a wide variety of options to choose from so you can customize everything to fit your needs. Plus, we provide you peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of.
Engagement Parties
Celebrate and share the news of your engagement with those you love. We can help you plan the perfect first of many pre-wedding celebrations.
Wedding Showers
Bridal, groom, or couples shower. Whatever your plan is, we want to help you celebrate with a fun, stress-free event.
Rehearsal Dinners
We know how important it is to have every part of your wedding be perfect. The rehearsal dinner should be no different. We are experienced professional caterers and love what we do.
Ready To Plan Your Wedding?
Don’t call the caterer quite yet. You’ll want to think some things through so your wedding-catering experience is a good one. Here is some advice from our experience over the years.
One thing that can help is knowing what your caterer will ask you. The first four things your caterer will want to know are straightforward. Having answers, however, requires some preliminary thinking and action on your part. Here are some tips for planning your wedding.
Get Your Key Info in Hand
- What is the (confirmed) date, time and location of your event?
- What is your budget?
- How many people (approximately) do you think will be there?
- Any special requirements (dietary, decor, drinks, etc.)?
- Venue (what items does your venue provide)
And the next question is pretty key, too…
What’s Your style?
This is worth some time on Pinterest. You may already have pinned some ideas you like — what does it all add up to? Like many caterers, we can work inside or outside, simple or fancy. It’s all about your style and the feeling you want your wedding to have.
Consider the food that goes with your style. For example are you thinking of a fancy wedding in the city then we would talk about filet and grilled salmon.
Considering a down home, picnic or an outside wedding? You’ll want to consider a selection of slow-cooked barbeque with all the fixins’.
How about a disco party at a bowling alley? Shiny and sparkly? Blue and cool and jazzy? The clearer picture you have, the easier it is for us or any caterer to match you up with the right services and products to produce a smashing affair.
Things to Consider
- Let us know if you want your menu to include passed or stationary appetizers, main meats, sides, desserts.
- Is your look formal with linens, china, silverware and glassware or informal and all disposable ware?
- Would you like to have full bar service? Or beer and wine only?
- Do you need us to rent tables and chairs or does the venue provide them?
Understand Your Options
Let us know if you plan on providing any items yourself like flowers arrangements, party favors, alcohol beverages, desserts from other vendors, or if you need us to do all of the coordinating and planning.
Build a Relationship with Your Caterer and Ask Questions
Weddings can take a while to plan and we want you to be happy with your experience. Our Catering Sales Associates work with you and answer any questions you have to ensure your event is stress-free and everything you imagine.
Here Is What Our Customers Have To Say
See why we are one of Virginia’s and Washington D.C.’s favorite wedding caterers.
“We hired Rocklands to cater our rehearsal dinner (which we hosted at our church as a welcome reception for out of town guests, so it was about 100 people)! This was an easy choice for us to make because we have been huge fans of Rocklands for years… in fact, the restaurant in Ballston is where we had several of our first dates. So it was special to be able to work with them for the rehearsal dinner.
Their catering team is amazing! From getting help crafting the right menu to setting up and putting on a beautifully catered dinner, our experience working with them could not have been better. Our guests RAVED about the food!”
—Catherine
““This was our first time working with Rocklands Catering, and it will certainly not be our last.
We planned a rooftop reception with over 600 RSVPs. Of course mother nature had her way and called for showers and thunderstorms. With two days advance notice we had to change locations, and host our event indoors. The Rocklands team didn’t sweat it and worked with us to ensure we had a successful event. There was ample food, and the staff were beyond professional. They ensured the venue was kept clean and tidy, and helped with other catering needs as well.
I highly recommend working with Rocklands!””
—Jesse
Wedding Catering Menus and Pricing
Down to details at Rocklands! Once you have your basics in hand, there are endless possibilities in every menu we prepare. We’ll focus on what’s important to you as we create a customized menu to reflect your tastes and style.
Weddings are complex parties, so there are varying components that make up the catering cost in addition to the food. The totals — food, service staff, equipment rental, non-alcoholic beverages and delivery for most weddings — fall into the following ranges:
- Cocktail Reception | $80 – $100 per guest
- Buffet with china | $100 — $120 per guest
- Buffet with disposables | $75 — $95 per guest
Note that we have not included alcohol in these estimates — but we’re happy to arrange for and serve beer, wine, full bar, a single specialty cocktail or a full tiki lounge with umbrella drinks, if that’s what you desire.
Wedding Resources To Help With Planning Your Special Day
Frequently Asked Questions
How many food options should you have at a wedding?
We recommend 2-3 Main Entrees and 3-4 sides.
What is the most popular service style at weddings?
A cocktail hour with passed and stationary appetizers followed by a buffet style dinner are the most popular combination for couples at the moment.
Do you have references and more reviews we can look at?
Yes, check out our WeddingWire page: https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/rocklands-barbeque-and-grilling-company-alexandria/d202aae435e6dfad.html
Where will the food be cooked for my wedding?
We can come to grill on site or bring it ready to dig into. Whatever you need, we will work with you.
Do you provide alcohol and a bartender?
Yes we can. Our bar services will even create a signature cocktail to tie into your wedding theme or if you have a special recipe. Just let us know.
Do you do tastings?
Yes, Monday-Thursday before 11am or between 1pm-4pm. Based on availability.
Can you provide a tent or rentals?
Yes, all are available.
Are we able to provide our own dessert and is there a fee?
Yes you can provide your own dessert. There is no cake cutting fee, but we would like notice to prepare.
Can I bring my own alcohol?
Yes, we are happy to serve your alcohol. Based on venue, a alcohol license may be needed. There is no bottle or corkage fee, just the hourly rate for the bartender.
Do you come look at the venue?
We always love to schedule a site visit with you one month before your event to discuss layout and any final event details.
When are final numbers due?
We prefer final numbers 3-7 business days before your event. Any minimums need to notified by 7 business days.
Do I pay everything upon confirming?
No, only a deposit is needed upon confirming. Final payment is due within 10 days after your event.
Do I need to have final numbers upon confirming?
No need, just let us know in 7 days for minimums and final numbers by 3 days.
Can we make changes to contract?
Absolutely any changes up until the week of.
Are you good with allergens?
Yes, check out our website of allergens list. You can let your sales associate know of allergens and we can create a menu to fit all needs.
Any options for vegetarians?
Yes, we have a wide range of sides and entrees. Available on page 13 of our catering menu.
Can you do high chairs for babies?
Yes, we can supply high chairs for babies.
How does the staff dress?
Traditional wedding attire for our staff is khaki pants, white button up, black dress shoes, bowtie and white apron. Black pants available upon request.
How can we incorporate our wedding colors?
There are many ways to incorporate your wedding colors other than attire or centerpieces. We can provide a full range of colored linens to mix and match across the venue. Table runners, seat bows and chair cushions available in a variation of colors as well.
Additional Wedding Resource Links
We figure it’s always useful to hear from several sides, right? So here is some wedding planning guidance from folks who have experience in this field:
- Martha Stewart’s wedding planning tips
- Advice from caterer Peter Callahan (another pal of Martha’s)
- Wedding planning checklist from The Knot
- Elevate Your Wedding with a Classy Barbeque Reception
- Rehearsal Dinner Planning Guide
- Engagement Season Is Here: 10 Reasons to Start Planning Early
Our Calendar Books Up Quickly
Especially during our peak month of May and throughout the busy summer holiday season, so we recommend reaching out early to secure your tasting and reserve your date!